Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research

MA Julie Westerink

Publications

• Research Article
  Response to Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccination in Newly Diagnosed HIV-Positive Individuals
  Author(s): David J Leggat, Anita S Iyer, Jennifer A Ohtola, Sneha Kommoori, Joan M Duggan, Claudiu A Georgescu, Sadik A Khuder, Noor M Khaskhely and MA Julie WesterinkDavid J Leggat, Anita S Iyer, Jennifer A Ohtola, Sneha Kommoori, Joan M Duggan, Claudiu A Georgescu, Sadik A Khuder, Noor M Khaskhely and MA Julie Westerink
  
  Background: Newly diagnosed HIV-positive individuals are 35 to 100-fold more susceptible to Streptococcus pneumoniae infection compared to non-infected individuals. Therefore, the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) has previously been recommended, though efficacy and effectiveness of vaccination remains controversial. Early severe B cell dysfunction is a central feature of HIV infection. The specific nature of the immune cells involved in the production of protective antigen-specific antibodies in HIV-positive individuals remains to be elucidated. Objectives: Evaluate the antibody and antigen-specific B cell response to the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients. Moreover, determine if newly diagnosed patients with CD4<200 cells/µl benefit from 6-12 months of HAART, allowing partial .. Read More»
  DOI: 10.4172/2155-6113.1000419

  Abstract PDF